COVID-19 Vaccine

In December 2019, the world was hit by a terrifying new virus called COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 vary from mild to life-threatening. It is transmitted when people breathe in air contaminated by droplets and small airborne particles that may be closer than you think, but can also spread over longer distances indoors as well.

The best way to protect ourselves from this deadly virus is to get vaccinated.

Covid Vaccination at The Ridge Medical Centre

The COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out to the population in staggered phases in Australia, and it’s free for everyone. However, priority is given to those who are most at risk.

The Ridge Medical Centre is an approved centre for providing the COVID-19 vaccination, and we are pleased to play our part in keeping the community safe.

For more information on how to get the vaccine at the current phase of the vaccination campaign, visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility. If necessary, ask a family member, a friend or a neighbour to assist you, or call us or visit the medical centre in Ascot or Baldivis.

Getting ready for the COVID-19 vaccination

There are some things you can do now to prepare for your appointment while you wait.

Verify that your Medicare details are current (if you are not eligible for Medicare, you can still get the COVID-19 vaccine). This can be done by:

  • Using the Medicare online account on myGov
  • Using Express Plus Medicare
  • Getting in touch with the Medicare Program

If you do not already have an account, you can:

  • Sign up for Medicare if you do not already have one.
  • Make sure your Medicare online account is linked to myGov if you haven’t linked it already.
  • If you’re not eligible for Medicare, get an Individual Health Identification (IHI).

As soon as you have been vaccinated, you can get an immunisation history statement. You can find out how to get your immunisation history statement on the Services Australia website.

  • Fever, cough, runny nose, or other signs or symptoms that may indicate covid-19 infection.
  • We are awaiting covid-19 test results.
  • You have tested positive for covid-19, and you are in isolation in quarantine with close
  • Contact with someone with covid-19.
  • Are unwell with a fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms.

For anyone who falls into one of these categories, contact us immediately to reschedule your vaccination appointment. The covid-19 vaccine is ineffective at treating the disease.

You should receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, for the COVID-19 Pfizer [Comirnaty] vaccine, you should wait at least three weeks between the two doses; for the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, you should wait about 12 weeks between the two doses. This is because you will not achieve optimal protection against COVID-19 until one to two weeks after your second dose.

You should bring the following to your covid-19 vaccination appointment:

  • If you have a one
  • Medicare card, if you have a one
  • Employee id, if you are getting a covid-19 vaccine because of your occupation.
  • Information about any of your medical conditions, allergies, bleeding disorders, or immunocompromised (i.e., weakened immune system)
  • Information about any medications you are taking
  • Information about any previous covid-19 vaccine received (vaccine brand and date of vaccination)
  • Information about any reactions you have had to any vaccine in the past. The
  • Name of your current gp/s and any specialist doctors you see
  • A face mask (if required by your state/territory).

 

With your appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss with the nurse or doctor administering the covid-19 vaccination any questions you may have about the vaccine.

You should let your nurse or doctor know if you are under the age of 50, if you suffer from any medical conditions, or if you are taking any medication. In addition, be sure to inform them of the following:

  • If you had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of covid-19 or an ingredient in the vaccine, or
  • Have a history of an anaphylactic reaction (a severe allergic reaction) to other vaccines or medicines, please contact your doctor immediately.
  • Have a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (hit) and central venous sinus thrombosis (cvst)
  • Have a mast cell disorder
  • Have a bleeding disorder or are receiving anticoagulant therapy (a blood thinner)
  • Are you pregnant?
  • Are immunocompromised (i.e. have a weakened immune system or take immune-suppressing medication)
  • Have had covid-19 in the past or have an ongoing illness from covid-19
  • Have you received another covid-19 vaccine (and which brand)? Have
  • Received any vaccine in the last 14 days?

For serious injuries and illness,

call an ambulance on triple zero (000) or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.

Book an appointment today!

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